SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Randy Moss not only has been the teacher's pet so far in his San Francisco 49ers sojourn, but he is earning high marks in an area not normally associated with Moss — the running game.

Moss received two big rounds of applause during the 49ers' most recent victory over the Arizona Cardinals. One was for his 47-yard, catch-and-run touchdown, which occurred along the 49ers sideline and drew a big reaction from teammates.

Randy Moss is winning plaudits from the 49ers for his overall performance. (AP Photo)

Three plays earlier, the 49ers sideline also was jumping for joy after Moss lowered his shoulder and leveled Cardinals safety Kerry Rhodes at the end of a long catch and run by Michael Crabtree.

Moss has played a bit role in the passing offense — 13 catches for 235 yards and two touchdowns. And the worry is that a disengaged Moss would be a disruptive Moss.

Instead, he appears to be stimulated by the offense in general and by the running game in particular. Moss has been a student of the game throughout his career, and quarterback Alex Smith reports that Moss always is asking technical questions about the running game in meetings.

That Moss has become Mr. Popular in the 49ers' locker room is good. That he's engaged is even better.